The story of Apple Inc. started in 1976 and has been characterized by a long line of successes, especially in recent times. However, the news that Apple’s Managing Director Steve Jobs has had to resign caused Apple stocks to drop by 5% (down from $400), which shows how great an impact cofounder Steve Jobs had on the company and its destiny. Nonetheless, Apple continues to be the world’s most valuable company. 1
Apple Inc. is an American multinational company which provides personal computers, software and especially consumer electronics. Today, the company has 49,400 employees worldwide and managed to increase annual sales to $65.23 billion in 2010.2
Apple’s winning mixture of extraordinary products, great style and design, grand strategy, innovative marketing, and inviting communications is basis of this paper’s analysis. Apple owes its overwhelming success in the last years to the iPhone, iPod and iTunes product combination.3
Apple’s success is inextricably linked to Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs has been the great mind behind the company and one of the cofounders who turned Apple in one of the most innovative and successful companies.
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1 http://www.macnews.de/newsticker/steve-jobs-rucktritt-apples-aktienkurs-bricht-ein-239783
2 http://phx.corporateir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9Njc1MzN8Q2hpbGRJRD0tMXxUeXBlPTM=&t=1
3 www.apple.com
Table of Contents
I. APPLE INC. – WIND OF CHANGE
FIELDS OF ACTIVITY & PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
THE IPHONE AND ITS COMPETITORS – SAMSUNG & NOKIA
RECENT CHANGES WITHIN THE WORLD ECONOMY & POLITICS
IMPACT ON APPLE INC.
II. GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS
PESTEL ANALYSIS FOR APPLE INC.
III. FORECAST & SUMMARY
IV. APPENDIX
NEW PATHS FOR APPLE INC. - SWOT ANALYSIS
Project Objective and Thematic Focus
This project provides a comprehensive business analysis of Apple Inc. at a pivotal moment following the resignation and death of co-founder Steve Jobs. The central research objective is to evaluate Apple's strategic position, market performance against key competitors like Samsung and Nokia, and its resilience amidst global economic and political volatility.
- Strategic assessment of Apple's product portfolio and market dominance.
- Comparative analysis of smartphone vendor performance in the global market.
- Examination of macro-environmental factors using the PESTEL framework.
- Strategic forecasting and identification of future growth potential.
- Evaluation of internal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT).
Excerpt from the Book
PESTEL ANALYSIS FOR APPLE INC.
The PESTEL analysis helps determine the current situation of Apple Inc., identifying possible influences of the political, economic, social, legal, environmental and technological sectors and gives an indication of the future of Apple Inc. One needs to juxtapose the different products Apple has to offer since they are touched by different aspects of the PESTEL Analysis.
Political Influences - In 2007, 52% of Apple’s sales were outside the United States. That is why Apple is extremely sensitive with regards to international relations, military conflict and terrorism. Furthermore, these are all factors which Apple is unable to control.
Apple Inc. produces many of its parts and products outside the US, such as in Ireland, the Czech Republic, Korea, and China. Political conflicts between the US and any of these states may have impact on Apple Inc.
Summary of Chapters
I. APPLE INC. – WIND OF CHANGE: This chapter introduces Apple's history, the impact of Steve Jobs' departure, and the company's product-driven success strategy.
FIELDS OF ACTIVITY & PRODUCT PORTFOLIO: This section outlines Apple's core product ecosystem, ranging from Mac computers to the iPad and various software services.
THE IPHONE AND ITS COMPETITORS – SAMSUNG & NOKIA: A comparative analysis focusing on market share, shipment volumes, and the intense rivalry between Apple, Samsung, and Nokia.
RECENT CHANGES WITHIN THE WORLD ECONOMY & POLITICS: This chapter analyzes how global economic crises, financial instability, and political factors create both risks and opportunities for multinational firms.
IMPACT ON APPLE INC.: An evaluation of how Apple maintains its resilience and market position despite broader global economic downturns.
II. GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS: This chapter establishes the theoretical framework for environmental analysis and introduces the PESTEL model.
PESTEL ANALYSIS FOR APPLE INC.: A detailed breakdown of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal influences on Apple's operations.
III. FORECAST & SUMMARY: This chapter synthesizes findings and offers recommendations for Apple's future, including expansion into new markets and product diversification.
IV. APPENDIX: Contains the supplementary SWOT analysis, providing a structured overview of internal and external factors influencing the company.
Keywords
Apple Inc., Steve Jobs, Smartphone Market, PESTEL Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Market Share, Consumer Electronics, Financial Crisis, Product Innovation, Strategic Management, Global Economy, Samsung, Nokia, iPhone, iPad
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of this business analysis?
The report aims to analyze Apple's business model and strategic direction following the leadership transition after Steve Jobs, while assessing its competitive standing and environmental adaptability.
What are the core themes explored in this document?
The key themes include the impact of leadership changes, smartphone market dynamics, competitive rivalry with Samsung and Nokia, and the influence of global macroeconomic trends on technology firms.
Which methodology is used to evaluate the company?
The analysis utilizes environmental scanning techniques, specifically the PESTEL analysis for macro-environmental factors and a SWOT analysis for internal and external strategic positioning.
What does the main body of the work address?
It covers Apple's product portfolio, recent market performance, comparative analysis with key competitors, and an evaluation of external economic and political influences.
How is Apple's market competitiveness currently described?
Apple is depicted as a strong, innovative leader with a loyal customer base, though it faces intense pressure from competitors, global economic uncertainty, and the challenge of sustaining its brand post-Steve Jobs.
Which metrics indicate Apple's current financial health?
The report highlights high cash reserves, strong annual sales figures, and robust market share gains in the smartphone sector as indicators of stability.
How does the report assess the threat of the financial crisis to Apple?
The author concludes that Apple is relatively resilient to the crisis, largely due to its unique, high-value product offerings and its ability to serve a specific clientele that is less affected by economic downturns.
What recommendation is provided regarding Apple's future product strategy?
The analysis suggests that Apple should expand its product reach, potentially focusing on the growing ICloud sector and entering new, emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East.
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- Judith Zylla-Woellner (Autor:in), 2011, Business Analysis of Apple Inc, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207969
